Philomena Anywanu: Defining Elder Care for Rural Nigeria

Philomena Anyanwu is a gerontologist and social worker who has dedicated over 14 years to bringing about systemic change in the physiological, social, spiritual, and economic well-being of the ever-growing demographic of older persons in Nigeria. Her work has involved navigating and rethinking cultural stigmas, inadequate healthcare information and access, and limited financial support, all of which ultimately isolate the elderly in rural communities. By fostering organic, mutual support networks, her NGO, El-Aged Care, and healthcare coalition, ACSPOPIN, are changing the narrative in rural communities to one where the elderly, particularly grandmothers, are valued as focal points. On a personal front, Philomena also prioritizes her own self-care, for instance, by returning to the city to take long walks, or even by graciously letting us interview her here on the Grandma Magic Podcast.